The module introduces general information and network security principles, challenges and goals and then focuses on main security mechanisms and protocols for protecting network communication across different layers of the Internet protocol stack. This will include discussion on various attacks on the networks, penetration testing tools and possible countermeasures to ensure protection of authentication, confidentiality and end-to-end security of communications. In labs students will be able to practice experience with various network security protocols and tools.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to equip students with background knowledge and practical experience of modern information and network security mechanisms, including widely used network security protocols and technologies. The module will explain various attacks on the network communications and demonstrate the use of appropriate protection mechanisms. The module will cover theoretical foundations of modern information and network security mechanisms and practical understanding of those mechanisms with their application in the real world.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed

Understand information and network security principles, challenges and goals that are relevant for the protection of information and network communication against various types of attacks in the real world

KC

Understand the functionality, advantages and disadvantages of main protection mechanisms and protocols for securing network communications

Help students understand the nature of information and network security, including main principles, challenges and goals
Explain threats and attacks arising in the context of network communications
Explain the functionality of network security protocols and relevant protection mechanisms
Enable students to apply existing security mechanisms and protocols for the protection of network communications

Students will be expected to distribute the remaining workload on self-study, preparation for lectures and labs, preparation for the in-semester test and submission of the coursework.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have achieved the module learning outcomes.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

· An individual in-semester test with a set of questions that students are required to answer.

This addresses LO1 and LO2.

· An individual coursework with a set of theoretical and practical tasks.

This addresses LO1, LO2 and LO3.

Formative assessment and feedback

Lecture slides are used extensively in the lectures with each lecture consisting of a number of slides explaining the theory and showing the examples. Solutions to lab exercises are explained during the lab session and provided to the students.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2017/8 academic year.